Why should we study how society functions?

In class so far, we’ve learned that it is important to understand how the society works. If we didn’t know, then we wouldn’t have sociology classes. If we did not study how society functions, then we would live in a very different place.

It is important to study past events and patterns in respect to society so that future events can be predicted based on those patterns. For example, in “An Inconvenient Truth” Al Gore knew about global warming but society wasn’t willing to listen. Therefore he had to find a way to make them listen. In “An Inconvenient Truth”, viewers are able to see his slideshow that gives the facts about global warming while portraying his powerful message. Now, society knows about global warming and is reacting.

If leaders in governmental positions didn’t understand society then they wouldn’t be able to make effective rules and laws to control society. It would be hard to control something you don’t understand. There is a saying that goes something like: “You must know your enemy to defeat your enemy”, and it is completely true, in other instances than enemies.

Also, if we know how society interacts, then we can solve problems and conflict that arise in society.

Sociology is not simply a course that you take because your career involves it. Sociology is part of everything. People interact everywhere. Therefore it is important to study how society functions.